Hertzoggies Recipe

Hertzoggies, also known as Hertzog cookies or Hertzogkoekies, are a beloved South African pastry named after J.B.M. Hertzog, a prominent South African politician. These delightful treats are characterized by their crisp pastry crust, sweet apricot jam filling, and a fluffy coconut meringue topping. Perfect for tea time or any special occasion, Hertzoggies are a wonderful way to enjoy a piece of South African culinary heritage. Here’s how to make these delicious pastries at home.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup apricot jam

For the Coconut Meringue Topping:

• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup desiccated coconut

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, beat the egg with the vanilla extract. Pour this into the flour mixture and mix gently. Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
4. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Coconut Meringue Topping

1. Beat Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold in Coconut: Gently fold in the desiccated coconut until well combined.

3. Assemble the Hertzoggies

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
3. Form the Base: Press each dough circle into the bottom and sides of the muffin tin cups.
4. Add Jam: Spoon about a teaspoon of apricot jam into each dough-lined cup.

4. Add the Meringue Topping

1. Top with Meringue: Spoon the coconut meringue mixture over the jam, covering it completely and mounding it slightly.
2. Bake: Bake the Hertzoggies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meringue is golden and the pastry is cooked through.

5. Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Allow the Hertzoggies to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve: Serve your Hertzoggies with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Hertzoggies

• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality butter and apricot jam for the best flavor.
• Chill the Dough: Ensuring the dough is well-chilled before rolling it out will make it easier to handle and result in a flakier crust.
• Beating Egg Whites: Make sure your bowl and beaters are clean and dry before beating the egg whites to achieve the best volume.
• Storage: Store Hertzoggies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Hertzoggies are a delightful treat that encapsulates the flavors and traditions of South African baking. With their crisp pastry, sweet jam filling, and fluffy coconut topping, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, this Hertzoggies recipe will bring a taste of South Africa to your table. Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious pastries!